Robert “Bob” E. Chipman ’74 H’23: Steward of Illinois College’s past and future

7.23.2024

Few people truly understand the power of Illinois College to connect us to the past and link us to the future like Robert "Bob" E. Chipman '74 H'23 did.

The Illinois College community is mourning the profound loss of a beloved Trustee Emeritus who died July 20, at the age of 72.

Bob is remembered as a kind, humble leader who found great enjoyment and satisfaction in helping others. He grew up on Edgehill Road, just two blocks east of the IC campus, and lived most of his life within walking distance of the College. As a child, he says he never imagined having the privilege to be so involved in the governance of Illinois College.

"I like to think that perhaps my greatest contribution to Illinois College over these years has been that I have been a water-er of seeds that were planted by campus leaders generations ago," he said in 2023, when he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters during Illinois College's 189th commencement ceremony.

Bob began his journey with IC as an involved student active in Gamma Nu literary society, later serving as a trustee for the organization. He also participated in Student Forum, Debate and Speech, served as Senior Class President, and completed a government internship in Washington, D.C. Bob showed early leadership on campus serving on the student search committee that brought Dr. Donald Charles Mundinger to campus when he joined the College as president in 1973. Bob graduated in 1974 with a degree in history and government.

Bob married his wife of 51 years, Janet Williams Chipman '75, when they were both students at Illinois College. The couple were frequent visitors to campus, often taking midday walks on the Hilltop, which is centrally located a few blocks from Bob's downtown real estate office and their Jacksonville home. Bob often sported his signature natty bow ties or his vast collection of IC spirit wear.

Bob fully believed in the mission of Illinois College to change the lives of students. After graduation, he became a volunteer, leader and loyal supporter of Illinois College. He served as a Class Agent planning reunions and an Alumni Trustee from 1995-2000. He served on the Illinois College Board of Trustees for 25 years, retiring with the title Trustee Emeritus in 2023.

His years of service as a Trustee were marked by significant leadership roles, including chairing the Long-Range Planning Committee, serving as Vice Chair of the Board, chairing the Governance Committee and leading the Presidential Search Committee in 2012. He also led the College's long-term capital improvements investment plan and served as the inaugural chair of the Capital Improvements Working Group. One of his greatest achievements in this role was to oversee the complete renovation of Crispin Hall, beginning in 2019 and completed in 2023.

Through this major capital project in support of the academic program, Bob again showed a deep understanding of the history of IC and his ability to impact the future. In 2023 he wrote about Crispin:

"Seeing this transformation will undoubtedly fill you with awe and appreciation for the learning and growth that will happen here. Just imagine the thousands of students who will walk across the Hilltop and into this technologically advanced building in years to come. We should all be proud of this gift we have given to current and future students."

Bob and Janet spoke often of wanting to give back what was given to them as students at IC, and to pay something forward for future generations. Throughout 51 years of consecutive giving, they supported the IC Fund, Debate and Speech, the Fine Arts Series, literary societies, scholarships, the Crispin Hall Renovation, capital projects related to the Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center, and other initiatives.

The Chipmans were annual and Lifetime Members of the Illinois College Society, serving as Co-Chairs since the group was established seven years ago. They connected with Society members by attending events, writing personalized thank you cards for gifts to the College, contributing to publications, and sharing their experience and knowledge.

President Barbara A. Farley recalls Bob being the first person she met from IC in his role as chair of the Presidential Search Committee. He introduced Dr. Farley when she was announced as the College's 14th president, and became a dear friend and trusted advisor to the president for more than a decade.

"One of the greatest privileges of my life has been to know and work alongside Trustee Emeritus Bob Chipman over the past 11 years," Farley said. "I came to know Illinois College through his eyes and was inspired by his vision for the College's vibrant future."

Farley shared that Bob will long be celebrated within the campus community and beyond. "I was very proud to know Bob Chipman, to learn from him, and to call him a great friend," she said. "On behalf of the Illinois College Community, I echo these words from Matthew 25:23: 'Well done, good and faithful servant!'"

The dedication and example set by the Chipmans significantly contributed to the success and growth of the philanthropic community at Illinois College. Together, the family created the Chipman Family Endowed Scholarship, and at the time of his retirement from the Board of Trustees, grateful donors established the Robert E. Chipman '74 H'23 Endowed Capital Improvements Fund to honor his distinguished service.

An enthusiastic traveler, Bob has traveled extensively with his family, including on Illinois College alumni trips to Japan and Cuba. The Chipmans opened their home to 30 international students and exchange students from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, who stayed with them while attending IC. The couple maintained lifelong friendships with many of the students they met through the program.

Recognizing Bob's lifetime of service to his alma mater, the Robert E. Chipman '74 H'23 Classroom in Schewe Library was dedicated in 2023. This teaching and learning space serves as a legacy of Bob's commitment to the ideals of an Illinois College education, as does the classroom in Crispin Hall that is named in honor of his family.

Beyond Illinois College, Bob was a pillar of the Jacksonville community. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville and remained active as an elder and Sunday school teacher. He served Jacksonville in many roles, including as a Board President of the YMCA, President of the Kiwanis Club, President of the Prairieland United Way Board, member of the Board of Directors for Passavant Area Hospital, and Chair of the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce Board. Bob also co-chaired Jacksonville's 150th and 175th anniversary committees, and was serving as President of the Jacksonville Area Museum Foundation Board and President of the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation at the time of his passing.

In 2001, Bob received the Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his exceptional commitment to volunteerism and community service. In 2023, he was inducted into the Jacksonville Area Hall of Fame.

Professionally, Bob has also been an influential force in the community. As the owner and managing broker of Chipman Realtors and Appraisers, he has been an active participant in the Jacksonville area real estate market for many years, assisting hundreds of local families with their real estate needs. He served three terms as President of the Jacksonville Area Association of Realtors. In addition to his real estate career, he spent 12 years at Farmers State Bank and Trust Company, where he served as assistant vice president.

Bob's greatest joy in life was always his family. He treasured time spent with them and was proud of everything they accomplished. Bob and Janet's two sons, Timothy Chipman '01 and Andrew Chipman '04, are both proud graduates of Illinois College, as is Bob's brother, James Chipman '79. Bob's late mother Alice Chipman, who was beloved on campus as the longtime IC bookstore manager, was honored with the Friend of the College Award in 1997. His daughter-in-law, Stephanie Elpers Chipman, is vice president of external relations at Illinois College, where she has served on the executive leadership team since 2010. Other members of his family include his daughter-in-law Alicia and grandchildren, Elder, Etta and EdiaChipman of Chicago, and Ruth Chipman of Jacksonville.

In 2006, Bob shared the story of adding a note to his bathroom mirror as a high school student, shortly before he came to IC. The note read: "Remember you are not fully dressed until you wear a smile." Reflecting on how that long ago reminder guided him, he said, "subconsciously those words had shaped my personality and the way I lived my life."

It's difficult to imagine Bob without a smile and a good word for everyone whose path he crossed. He exuded kindness wherever he went, firmly believing that each day is filled with possibility, purpose and promise. Bob inspired others to live by these values and to do our part as "water-ers of seeds" for the next generation. This impact will continue to be felt in the lives of the many students who will become tomorrow's leaders, practitioners and professionals.

Bob loved his alma mater and exemplified the College's mission of preparing students for meaningful lives of leadership and service. His own legacy of service will live on in his family and in the example he has set for a new generation of Illinois College graduates and community leaders.

Williamson Funeral Home of Jacksonville is assisting the family with arrangements. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville at 1:00 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, youtube.com/firstpresjax/ will provide a livestream of the service. Following the service, at approximately 2:15 pm, the family will lead a memorial vehicle procession around downtown Jacksonville. Others are invited to join by car or by lining the sidewalks.

A celebratory gathering will be hosted by the Chipman family in Cummings Dining Hall at Illinois College from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Parking is available in any campus parking lot or on the street. A map of the Illinois College campus can be found here. For assistance or accommodations contact the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement at 217.245.3046.

The obituary notice for Robert "Bob" E. Chipman is posted online here.

The Chipman Family encourages memorials to the following institutions Bob spent his life serving: First Presbyterian Church, Illinois College (www.ic.edu/bobchipman), Jacksonville Area Museum Foundation, Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation, Prairieland United Way, and the YMCA, instead of flowers.